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Himachal HC quashes eco-sensitive zone notification around Col Sherjung National Park
The Himachal Pradesh High Court quashed the 2022 Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notification around Col Sherjung National Park, ruling that the process violated mandatory procedures. The decision reliefs 19 villages previously brought under the ESZ and highlights gaps in following guidelines for declaring ESZs.
Why It Matters
The ruling affects land use and economic activity for 19 villages and underscores the necessity of following due process and documented procedures in ESZ declarations.
Timeline
8 Events
Court notes lack of justification for expanding ESZ to 19 villages
April 18, 2026
The court also observed that the expansion from four to 19 villages lacked recorded justification and did not follow the 2011 guidelines for declaring Eco-Sensitive Zones.
HC quashes ESZ notification around Col Sherjung National Park
April 18, 2026
The Himachal Pradesh High Court, in a division bench, quashed and set aside the January 13, 2022 ESZ notification, holding that the procedure to declare ESZ was legally flawed and failed to follow mandatory guidelines.
Centre issues ESZ notification for 19 villages
January 13, 2022
The Centre issued a notification, dated January 13, 2022, declaring 19 villages around Col Sherjung National Park as Eco-Sensitive Zone.
Petitions filed against ESZ notification
2022
Following the notification, petitions were filed alleging lack of due process and absence of valid recommendations from competent authorities.
ESZ proposal finalised
2022
The ESZ proposal was finalised in 2022.
Fresh ESZ proposal pushed forward
2020
A fresh proposal to designate an ESZ around the park was pushed forward in 2020.
Draft ESZ notification prepared
2015
A draft notification for the Eco-Sensitive Zone around Col Sherjung National Park was prepared in 2015.
Initial ESZ exercise for Col Sherjung National Park begins
2012
The process to declare an Eco-Sensitive Zone around Col Sherjung National Park began in 2012.